Maling River Canyon hosts intl canoe competition

The 74.8-kilometer Maling River Canyon features strong currents. [Photo/Xingyi media center]

The 2026 "Racing Guizhou" Maling River Grand Canyon "Earth's Crack" International Extreme Canoe Slalom took place from Oct 28 to 29 among the natural canyon rapids of Xingyi, Guizhou province, attracting nearly 200 athletes from around the world, including China, the United States, Germany, and France.

The event featured professional men's and women's long-distance extreme kayaking, amateur men's long-distance extreme kayaking, amateur men's and women's single-person inflatable kayak races, amateur tandem inflatable kayak races, and individual extreme kayaking events.

"This is a long-distance course, with mostly calm water and just a few short stretches of whitewater," said German athlete Paul Gerard Aubertin. "Surprisingly, the long stretches of flat water are the most challenging. They may look easy, with only a few small waves, but they're actually quite difficult to navigate. Overall, it's a very challenging course."

Wei Yudan, an athlete from Zunyi, commented: "The course is quite safe and offers a great on-water experience while still providing plenty of challenges. Competing here allows us to test our skills, build our confidence, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery at the same time. It is truly a worthwhile experience."

The event also featured a range of cultural and tourism activities, giving athletes a chance to explore the natural beauty and rich local culture of southwestern Guizhou while enjoying their time away from the competition.